High demand for AMG-powered Lotus Emira First Edition

LOTUS Cars has released details of its Mercedes-AMG-engined four-cylinder Emira sportscar, which, like its V6-powered sibling, will be introduced in Australia soon and is already in high demand.

Australia’s first allocation of 120 V6 First Edition cars is already spoken for and Lotus Cars Australia chief operating officer Richard Gibbs told GoAuto he was expecting a similar allocation for the four-cylinder – for around 60 per cent of which deposits have already been paid.

“The arrival of the V6 First Edition remains on track for mid to late July,” said Mr Gibbs, adding that the local launch and expected retail price of the four-cylinder First Edition was “still being finalised with the factory”.

For reference, Emira First Edition models powered by a Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developing 298kW/420Nm sold for $184,990 before on-road costs and options.

“We expect that once people see the car in the flesh, we will see another wave of depositors come forward,” Mr Gibbs added.

The new four-cylinder Emira – the last petrol-powered car Lotus will release before the all-electric Type 132 SUV makes its world debut next week – is powered by a version of Mercedes-AMG’s M139 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine.

Aficionados will recognise the motor as the one that propels ‘Benz’s A45, CLA45 and GLA45 models; it is still the world’s most powerful four-pot homologated for road use with its sky-high specific output of 155kW/litre.

For the Emira, the 268kW motor, which utilises a twin-scroll turbocharger with roller bearings for faster spool-up and minimum lag, has been adapted for a mid-mounted installation and Lotus has designed an exhaust system specifically for its sportscar.

What’s more, it’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) – a first for Lotus – augmented with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. 

“It’s a bespoke rear-wheel-drive variant of the transmission (developed by Lotus in collaboration with AMG),” said Lotus Cars director of vehicle attributes, Gavan Kershaw.

“On top of that, the gearshift strategy has been defined by the Hethel team as part of the car’s performance attributes.”

Four-cylinder First Editions come equipped with LED lights, heated power-folding side mirrors, specific C-pillar badging and engine-bay cover, a titanium exhaust finisher and rear parking sensors.

The Lower Black Pack is fitted as standard on this variant, which means the Emira’s front bumper air blades, front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser are all finished in gloss black.

It rides on 20-inch ultra-lightweight V-spoke forged alloy wheels, which are diamond-cut to create a premium two-tone finish, although silver or gloss black versions are available as no-cost options, Lotus Cars said.

Two-piece brake discs – with branded calipers in either red, black, yellow or silver – are part of the First Edition spec, as is a tyre-pressure monitoring system. 

A choice of six exterior colours are available: Seneca Blue, Magma Red, Hethel Yellow, Dark Verdant, Shadow Grey and Nimbus Grey, while there are various interior hues to choose from (at no extra cost): red, black, grey and tan Nappa leather, as well as black Alcantara with red, yellow or grey stitching. 

The heated front seats are 12-way electrically adjustable, with two memory presets (linked to door mirror positions) for the driver.

Climate and cruise control, keyless start, voice control and selectable drive modes are provided, while satin chrome trim finishers, white ambient lighting and Lotus-branded kick plates complete the look. 

The Emira’s 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment array is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, supports Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming and is supported by USB and 12V sockets, while integrated satellite navigation will be available in selected markets

Complementing the central screen is a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster ahead of the multi-function steering wheel.

The 10-channel/340W premium audio system, meanwhile, has been developed in partnership with British brand KEF and includes digital radio reception. 

Another three option packs are fitted as standard to the car (four in total).

The Lotus Drivers Pack gives customers the choice of Tour or Sport suspension, and the choice of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres It also includes Track Mode ESP with a new Track mode highlighted on the TFT instrument display screen that prioritises information required for high-performance driving.

A Design Pack adds privacy glass, sports pedals, a black Alcantara headliner and Emira-branded mats.

The Convenience Pack adds front parking sensors, a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors and a rear luggage storage net.

As deliveries of four-cylinder First Editions to customers in the UK will begin towards the end of 2022, GoAuto expects the variant to arrive Down Under early next year.